50 Years Of Woody Allen, Top 5. Years 2000-2016

This month marks 50 years that Woody Allen has been writing AND directing movies. It all started with 1966’s What’s Up, Tiger Lily?. I thought it only prudent to look at his best films by his eras. Since it is impossible to come up with an all time top 5 or even a top 10 list I’m going to break it down. I’m going to start with his 5 best since 2000 up until right now. So let’s get right to it.

5. Cafe Society (2016)

Released this year, Woody once again touches on his love of nostalgia and a much simpler time. This was his second collaboration with stars Jesse Eisenberg and Steve Carell and his first with Kristen Stewart and Blake Lively. All 4 of them couldn’t have been more perfect for their roles, which has been a standard Woody trademark. The story of 1930’s Hollywood and of love triangles and their long term effects. Check out my full review here.

4. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

The second of his three projects with Scarlett Johansson in a matter of just four years, this was right in the middle of Woody exploring filmmaking outside of the United States. Penelope Cruz earned an Oscar for her performance of Maria Elena, this has also become a trademark of his, that is to say so many of his actors go on to win Academy Awards for their work with him.

3. Blue Jasmine (2013)

Another one of his wonderful films in the dramatic genre, Cate Blanchett turned in, quite possibly her best performance to date and, of course, won the Academy Award. With a great supporting cast which included the surprising performance from Andrew Dice Clay who showed he can actually act beyond his stage persona. Check out my full review here.

2. Match Point (2005)

The first of those three movies with Scarlett Johansson, this was a turning point in her career and best film since her breakout a couple years earlier in Lost In Transition. The thriller with a wonderful twist, Woody showed that no matter his age, he is one of the all time great storytellers and can produce great films of any kind. Check out my retrospective review here.

1. Midnight In Paris (2011)

Midnight would be his most financially successful film and would go on to set records for independent films. This time the man himself would bring home his first Oscar in 25 years, since he had won for writing 1987’s Hannah And Her Sisters. Midnight In Paris is his ultimate love letter to nostalgia and it will go down as one of his all time best films. Check out my full review here.